Synchronous Communication Scenarios in Online-Cooperation Virtual Environments

Communication and collaboration in Online-Cooperation Virtual Environments (OCVE) are characterized by technical and organizational constraints. Based on well-established theory and research, necessary adjustments of pedagogical concepts for this scenario are presented here. Oriented towards practical use, considered topics include: (1) general features of communication, verbal and nonverbal behavior, and processes of moderating meetings as to their relevance for OCVEs and (2) the communication scenario of the OCVE in the project Moderation VR. Thereby, specific opportunities and limitations of communicating in an OCVE are integrated into general considerations on group work and learner support.